Notes on the Notes – August 19, 2018

This week we will be continuing to explore the Book of Ruth, Chapter 3.

We will be singing:

“This is God’s Wondrous World” (VU #296)

This hymn is often recognized as the old CGIT (Christian Girls in Training) hymn,  altered for inclusiveness from the original “This is My Father’s World.”   It has helped shaped the creation spirituality of many people.  The text is adapted from a poem published in a collection of Maltbie Davenport Babcock’s work entitled Thoughts for Everyday Living (1901).  The origin of the tune is unknown.  It was adapted to the hymn text by Stanley Oliver, organist at St. James United in Montreal,  in 1929 and the hymn was published in Songs of Worship (1930) and The Hymnary (1930).

“This is God’s wondrous world, and to my listening ears, 
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. 
This is God’s wondrous world, I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,  God’s hand the wonders wrought.

This is God’s wondrous world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise. 
This is God’s wondrous world.  God shines in all that’s fair,
In the rustling grass or mountain pass, God’s voice speaks everywhere.

This is God’s wondrous world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong. God is the ruler yet.
This is God’s wondrous world: why should my heart be sad?
Let voices sing, O let the heavens ring!   God reigns, let earth be glad.”

Hear an arrangement of this hymn tune at:  https://youtu.be/OCKTYwjPhLs

Hear the song with saxophone and guitar at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7InRATds5k

“Deep in Our Hearts” (MV #154)

“Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.

Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose;
Deep in our hearts there is a common goal,

Pervian Hearts logo: to learn more about this charity, please visit http://www.peruvianhearts.org/

Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.

Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
Deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current,
Flowing to freedom like a stream.

Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.”

This song, with words by John Oldham and music by Ron Klusmeier, speaks to the human longing for the divine that is common across time and faith divisions.  It was written in 1996.

See the song, with Ron Klusmeier at the piano at:  https://youtu.be/YnZaO8udMcQ

“Spirit of the Living God” (VU #376)

“Spirit of the living God,  fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God, move among us all,
Make us one in heart and mind, make us one in love;
Humble, caring, selfless, sharing
Spirit of the living God, fill our lives with love!”

This is one of the most long-lasting and widely used choruses in Christian worship. Every aspect of the song embodies a simple sincerity.   The melody encompasses only five notes.  The harmonies can be played by a very modestly skilled pianist, and three of the four lines repeat the same nine words.  Yet for many, the straightforward petitions of this song draw the singer into an attitude of prayer.

The first verse of the hymn was written by Daniel Iverson (1890-1977), a native of Brunswick, Ga.  The second verse of the hymn was written by Michael Baughen for Hymns for Today’s Church (1982).  The arrangement in Voices United is the one written by Darryl Nixon for Songs for a Gospel People (1987).

Hear an acappella version of the hymn by Voices of Praise at:  https://youtu.be/jrwRS1h-rmY

“Put Peace Into Each Other’s Hands” (MV #173)

“Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,
Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;
Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.

Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;
Look people warmly in the eye; our life is meant for caring.

Give thanks for strong – yet tender – hands held out in trust and blessing.
Where words fall short, let hands speak out, the heights of love expressing.

Reach out in friendship, stay with faith in touch with those around you.
Put peace into each other’s hands; the Peace that sought and found you.”

This hymn with words by Fred Kaan and lyrics by Ron Klusmeier was first published in 2004.  The original title was “Hands Shaped Like a Cradle.”  The hymn is often used for interfaith worship or communion.

See the hymn sung in worship at: https://youtu.be/HRJXEJDygbA